Solvecast Spotlight SolveCast

We interview Jason Jacobsohn, venture capitalist and founder of Propellant Ventures, about effective strategies in business networking. Jacobson emphasizes the importance of relationship-building over transactional interactions, advocating for an approach that values long-term connections and trust. He discusses prioritizing thought leadership and the 'pay it forward' mentality, suggesting these methods foster goodwill and professional connections. The conversation offers insight into being approachable on LinkedIn and ensuring meaningful engagement with potential connections.


01:58 The Power of Paying It Forward
02:44 Embracing Thought Leadership
03:34 Overcoming Networking Challenges
04:36 Leveraging Online and In-Person Networking
05:41 Mastering LinkedIn for Networking Success

For more information about Jason visit:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonjacobsohn/
and https://www.propellant.vc/

In this episode of Solvecast,  we discuss the critical water crisis  with Melissa Lubitz, Director of Business Development at Hydraloop North America. Melissa emphasizes education as a key role in her work, advocating for decentralized, in-home solutions to significantly reduce water usage and contribute to a sustainable water economy. State-level successes in incentivizing greywater recycling in new developments are shared, alongside the potential for greywater recycling devices to save significant amounts of potable water and reduce infrastructure strain.

Visit: https://www.hydraloop.com/ and
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-lubitz-70815644
00:18 The Critical Water Scarcity in North America
01:14 Government vs. Individual Responsibility in Water Conservation
02:09 Innovative Solutions: Greywater Recycling and Circular Economy
04:01 The Financial Aspect of Water Recycling Technologies
05:38 Advocacy and Education: The Path to Sustainable Water Use
08:38 The Impact of Greywater Recycling on the Water Crisis
10:48 Closing Thoughts and How to Get Involved

Visit http://www.solvecast.com  for more information

For more information visit: https://greenbergandrapp.com

In this episode of Spotlight, we are joined by Ron Greenberg, co-founder of Greenberg and Rapp Financial Group, to discuss the importance of exit and succession planning for business owners. Ron shares his expertise on helping clients prepare for life after business, focusing on financial planning, tax efficiency, and wealth transfer strategies. The conversation covers the challenges that business owners face when contemplating an exit, the strategies to ensure a smooth transition, and the critical role of tax planning in optimizing outcomes. Ron emphasizes the value of hiring for attitude and training for skill, and offers advice on how business owners can engage the right professionals to navigate the complexities of exiting or transferring their business.

00:26 The Importance of Succession Planning for Business Owners
00:57 The Challenges Business Owners Face When Contemplating an Exit
02:39 Strategies for a Smooth Business Transition
03:14 Life Beyond the Business: Financial Planning for the Future
05:47 The Role of Taxes in Succession Planning

#wealthmanagement #retirement #financialmanagement #promoted

Matt Roling discusses carbon pricing and climate change.

For more information about Matt, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewxroling/

In this episode of Spotlight, we interview decarbonization consultant Matthew Rowling to discuss strategies for combating climate change. Matthew emphasizes the challenge posed by misinformation and suggests that curiosity and open dialogue are key to understanding and countering climate myths. He advocates for global and local collaboration to address the outsized role of developed nations in greenhouse gas pollution, arguing for a 'think globally, act locally' approach that leverages individual actions to influence broader change. The conversation also delves into the role of carbon pricing as a market-based solution for reflecting the societal costs of pollution, highlighting examples from Canada and California's cap and trade system. Matthew encourages personal responsibility and grassroots efforts to drive environmental progress, urging listeners to participate actively in climate advocacy.

00:22 Understanding the Climate Change Problem
00:29 The Role of Misinformation in Climate Change
01:33 The Importance of Collaboration in Climate Change
02:44 Taking Personal Responsibility in Climate Change
04:05 Understanding Carbon Pricing
06:02 Examples of Carbon Pricing

We speak with ALAN SCOTT, Director of Sustainability, Building Science Solutions at Intertek.
Visit Intertek here: https://www.intertek.com/building/sustainability/
More about Alan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanscottfaia/

*This is one of the first new episodes we recorded. I typically don't host them, thanks so much to Alan for participating and everyone for listening! -Mike Z.

Topics:
Climate Change
Sustainable Building
Thermal Resistance
Air Infiltration

In this interview with Alan Scott, Director of Sustainability at Intertek, the conversation focuses on the importance of both climate change mitigation and adaptation. Alan explains that while it's crucial to continue efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change, the slow adoption of such measures necessitates a simultaneous focus on adaptation, especially given the recent record of billion-dollar disasters and extreme weather events in the U.S. He highlights sustainable buildings as a key solution, pointing out that buildings account for approximately 39% of global greenhouse gas emissions. By improving the energy efficiency and incorporating environmentally friendly materials in both new and existing buildings, it's possible to significantly reduce emissions. Furthermore, sustainable building practices not only contribute to climate change mitigation but also enhance resilience against climate-related hazards, thereby serving climate adaptation goals. The conversation also touches on the need for both public and private investments in resilience and the economic benefits of such investments, emphasizing coordinated efforts for a more resilient future.

00:10 Understanding Climate Change and Climate Adaptation
01:23 The Role of Sustainable Buildings in Climate Change
03:32 The Impact of Sustainable Buildings on Climate Adaptation
04:26 The Focus Areas of Sustainable Building
05:41 The Role of Education in Sustainable Building
07:27 The Financial Implications of Climate Adaptation
07:57 The Geographic Risks of Climate Change
08:48 The Magnitude of the Climate Change Problem
10:15 The Importance of Coordinated Efforts in Climate Change Solutions
11:46 The Relationship Between Climate Adaptation and Climate Change

For more information about Tatiana's firm Data Driven Economic Strategies, visit: https://www.ddestrategies.org/

Understanding Labor Participation: Challenges and Strategies
In this episode of Spotlight, we are joined by economist, healthcare expert, presenter, and writer Tatiana Bailey to discuss the labor participation rate and its implications on the broader economy. They explore key issues such as the skills gap, gender disparities, and the impact of college costs on workforce participation. Tatiana emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and economic growth. She also highlights the role of her nonprofit, data-driven economic strategies, in informing education and workforce development initiatives, particularly in underserved communities. Moreover, the discussion touches on broader economic concerns including geopolitics, inflation, and the impact of climate change on food prices, underpinning the interconnectedness of labor participation with overall economic health.

00:08 Understanding Labor Participation Rate
01:00 Impact of Labor Participation Rate on Economy
03:13 Labor Participation Rate: A Comparative Analysis
04:32 Addressing the Skills Gap
06:31 The Role of Education in Labor Participation
07:18 Broader Economic Factors and Geopolitics
11:32 The Impact of Climate Change on Economy